IL1A and atherosclerosis: Anakinra (an antagonist of the IL-1 receptor that inhibits the action of both IL-1α and IL-1β) and an antibody against IL-1α also showed beneficial effects.55,56 Animal studies demonstrated that IL-1α and IL-1β are involved at different stages during the development of atherosclerosis: neutralization of IL-1α limits early atherogenesis in the aortic root,57 whereas IL-1β blockade decreased the area of established atheromata.